Skin Rash
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Allergy and Asthma Center
Allergists located in McLean, VA
Skin rashes may arise from many different causes, including contact allergies and any number of irritating substances. Anita N. Wasan, MD, at Allergy and Asthma Center has the expertise to determine the cause of your skin rash and develop an individualized treatment that relieves your symptoms and helps prevent future outbreaks. If you’re suffering from an itchy, annoying skin rash, schedule an appointment using online booking or call the office in McLean, Virginia today.
Skin Rash Q & A
What causes a skin rash?
Skin rashes arise from various causes, and they lead to a wide range of symptoms. You can also develop a skin rash from a bacterial, viral, or fungal infections, or from autoimmune conditions or medications.
The most common causes of skin rashes, however, are allergic reactions or coming into contact with something that irritates your skin:
Hives
These red, itchy welts range in size, develop anywhere on your body, and often appear suddenly. Although an allergic reaction usually causes hives, they can also occur when you have an infection or fever. They usually clear up on their own, but Dr. Wasan can help identify the underlying cause and provide treatment that helps prevent future outbreaks.
Atopic dermatitis or eczema
This itchy skin rash usually begins in young children, but it also affects adults. It can be triggered by many allergens or irritants including soap, pollen, dust mites, pet dander, cleaning products, certain types of materials in clothing, and some foods.
Contact dermatitis
This type of rash develops when your skin comes into contact with an irritant or allergen. Irritant contact dermatitis occurs when a substance damages part of your skin. Allergic contact dermatitis is known by the itchy, red, and blistering rash caused by many possible substances such as poison ivy, nickel, latex, and preservatives in cosmetics and skin care products.
How might my skin rash appear?
Some rashes like hives have unique characteristics, but most outbreaks share similar characteristics even when they come from different causes. Most skin rashes are itchy, and some are painful. They often share symptoms such as:
- Red, swollen patch of skin
- Raised, red bumps
- Red welts
- A dry, scaly patch
- Fluid-filled blisters
- Lesions that bleed or ooze
Some types of rashes start as a dry, scaly patch then turn into a red, itchy bump.
How are skin rashes treated?
The first step is to determine the underlying cause of your rash. Dr. Wasan reviews your medical history, examines the rash, and performs allergy testing when your outbreak is likely due to an allergy. The doctor may also refer you to a skin specialist for treatment options.
If an allergy is identified, Dr. Wasan helps you develop a plan to avoid the allergen as much as possible. Depending on the allergen, you may also be treated with allergy shots so that you can build immunity that diminishes your allergic reactions.
If you have an annoying or severe rash, schedule an examination by calling Allergy and Asthma Center or booking an appointment online.
